29/03/2023 Wednesday
The Revelation
Study of John’s Revelation
Chapter 4
Charles Spurgeon
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

John went to heaven in the spirit (Re 4:1-2)

A door was opened to him in heaven (v.1).

A voice, as clear as a trumpet’s announcement, saying, “Come up hither”.

This seems to represent the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

It is significant that John experienced this “Rapture” BEFORE the Tribulation is described, as if a pre-Trib Rapture.

John saw and heard things which must be hereafter – yet future. These are things after the Rapture.

John saw this in spirit not in body (v.2)
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

John was taken up in the spirit. Again, this likely pictures the Rapture.
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

John entered God’s throne room (Re 4:2-11)

His attention is first drawn to God’s throne (v.2-3).

The first thing John saw in heave was God and His throne.

He described God’s appearance like that of jasper and sardine (sardius). These may symbolise God’s glory and majesty. The same
stones were in the OT priest’s breastplate.

The rainbow around the throne may remind all of God’s creatures of the goodness, mercy, and longsuffering of God toward His
creatures.(Oliver B. Greene) This is similar to the rainbow after the Noahic flood.

The rainbow was emerald, that is various shades of green. We are not told why it is green. It may have arched over the throne.
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

John saw 24 thrones around God’s throne (Re 4:4)

The word translated “seats” is the same as translated “throne.”

Twenty-four elders sit on these thrones.

They are clothed in white.

They are wearing crowns of gold.

Some think these 24 elders represent OT Jewish elders and all saints of past ages. Others believe they represent believers of all
times (Re 5:9-10). “Still a third view is that they represent an order of angels.” (Walvoord, Revelation 106) The Bible does not make this clear
to us.

The white robes and victor crowns seem to portray these elders as overcomers (cf. 1 John 5:4-5, Revelation 3:5)
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

John describes his view of God (Re 4:5-6)

Lightening and thunder remind of the fearfulness of God. Israel saw a similar thing at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16-18).

Seven lamps of fire may represent the illuminating presence of the Holy Spirit (cf., Re 1:4).

Before the throne (i.e., in front of it) was a sea of glass (v.6). The sea of glass like crystal may depict the purity
of God. Scripture does not say it was liquid, but it was flat and glistening.

When John describes things to us in similes (i.e., like or as) we must not be dogmatic about their meanings or
possible types. God has left these unclear.
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

Four beasts are around God’s throne (Re 4:6-8)

These “beasts” are living creatures unlike the wild savage “beast” empowered by Satan that we will see later.
(They are different Greek words).

They are in the presence of God’s throne in heaven.

Their eyes may speak of their constant vigilance.

John describes them the best he can in verses 7-8. They may be the same creatures as in Ezekiel 1:10. They are
somewhat similar to the seraphim in Isaiah 6:2-3.

They cry day and night “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty …”
Chapter 4 – God’s Throne Room

The 24 elders honour God (Re 4:9-11)

When the living creatures give glory and honour to God, the elders (i.e., saints in heaven) respond (v.9).

They honour God by falling down and worshipping Him.

They honour God by casting their crowns before His throne.

They honour God by saying, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and
for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Re 4:11)
Practical Application

One day the Rapture will take place. We must be ready.

Life, now and in eternity, is all about honouring God not ourselves.

Now is the time to begin honouring God.

We honour Him by humbling ourselves before Him.

We honour Him by bowing in worship before Him.

We honour Him by giving to Him.

We honour Him by praising Him from the heart.

We honour Him by recognising Him as the Creator of all things.